The Dangerous Reality of Truck Accidents in Colorado Springs

Truck Accidents in Colorado Springs

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

March 30, 2023

Best Colorado Springs Truck Accident Law Firm

Semi-truck collisions are among the most catastrophic and devasting collisions on Colorado Springs’s roads. Because semi-trucks are so enormous, any smaller car that collides with them is certain to be severely damaged. Semi-truck accidents have a high death rate as well.

You’re undoubtedly battling to get back on your feet after a semi-truck disaster. You’re in for a lot of discomfort and a lengthy, difficult recovery. Don’t bear this weight alone! Many individuals are willing to assist you. Make certain you have the medical and legal assistance you need to recuperate.

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for help with your claim. This article will give you with the necessary information to begin the process of recovering from a semi-truck accident.

What Happens When a Semi-Truck Collides?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Association, there have been 3,000 to 4,000 deadly accidents involving huge trucks per year over the last 40 years. Each year, between 130,000 and 150,000 people have been wounded in significant truck accidents in recent years. Semi-truck accidents claim the lives of between 17 and 35 individuals in Colorado each year.

Accidents involving semi-trucks are prevalent all around the globe.

This may happen for a variety of reasons, including driver mistake or mechanical failure.

The following are some of the most prevalent causes of semi-truck accidents:

Driver exhaustion

To finish their routes, semi-truck drivers are often required to work lengthy hours. They might easily grow exhausted and fall asleep behind the wheel if they drive for too long without stopping. One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is driver error.

Mistake by the driver

If a semi-truck driver is pressed for time, he or she may attempt to pass another car under hazardous circumstances. When a semi-truck driver runs out of time to return to their lane or attempts to move back into the lane while another car is still in the path, it causes a collision.

Intoxication of the driver

Drinking or using drugs, whether medical or not, is frequent among drivers, particularly if they believe it will help them get through their long hours. Driving while inebriated is a common cause of all types of accidents.

Distraction of the driver

While driving, a semi-truck driver may attempt to eat, change the music, chat on the phone, or do any number of other activities that are distracting. In such a scenario, individuals may divert their gaze away from the road for a few minute, losing control or colliding with another car on the road ahead.

Mistake made by the truck

In rare circumstances, a semi-truck driver did everything correctly but was involved in a collision due to the truck’s failure. The most prevalent difficulties with semi-trucks are malfunctioning brakes or tire problems.

Barriers on the road. All it takes for a semi-truck driver to lose control is an unforeseen obstruction in the road to cause them to get confused. In such a massive truck, maneuvering around road debris may be difficult. Large cars, which are more difficult to manage, are also hampered by ice, rain, and snow.

Many semi-truck accidents have occurred in recent years due to these and other factors. Colorado Springs semi-truck accidents are only one facet of a larger problem in the United States today.

What are the most common outcomes and injuries from semi-truck accidents in Colorado Springs?

Semi-trucks are nearly 20 times the weight of a normal passenger car. As a result, when a semi and a car collide, the car and individuals inside might suffer serious injury.

Semi-truck accidents cause injuries that are identical to those caused by any other form of collision.

The following are some of the injuries:

Whiplash and spinal cord injuries

When a truck rear-ends another car, neck and back injuries are particularly prevalent. Because they have nothing to support their neck, the force of the crash might send the driver of the smaller car forward, cracking their neck violently. This might cause major muscle injury as well as the possibility of a spine fracture. Paralysis may occur as a consequence of neck and back trauma.

Head trauma

When a driver’s head collides with the steering wheel or a windshield, significant brain damage may occur.

Bone fractures

Accidents might crush you beneath the weight of a car or toss you about inside or outside of it. This movement might easily result in bone breakage and fractures. Arm and leg bones, as well as ribs, are the most often broken bones in these accidents.

Trauma on the inside. If debris or fractured bones puncture into a person’s organs, significant internal bleeding may occur. As quickly as possible, treat this life-threatening injury. Furthermore, seatbelts and airbags often apply significant force on a person’s body, resulting in serious bruising and fractures.

Semi-truck collisions cause a great deal of agony for everyone involved, and although many injuries are physical, survivors may also experience mental distress. If you’ve been in a Colorado Springs semi-truck accident, make sure you receive the care you need to heal physically and mentally.

What Should You Do If You’re in a Colorado Springs Semi-truck Accident?

Everyone involved in an accident is disoriented and terrified. The most important thing to remember after an accident is to be cool. Don’t be alarmed; it won’t assist anybody in the end. Professionals will be shortly to assist you; all you have to do now is wait and ensure that you are in a secure location.

Following a semi-truck collision, you should take the following measures once you have regained your composure:

Get as far away from the road as possible

If you have the ability to move, you should do so to avoid colliding with other cars. They may then either stop to assist or go on as needed. You should also avoid any cars driven by inattentive drivers who may fail to notice an accident. If they aren’t paying attention, distracted drivers may strike someone on the road.

Request an ambulance

The most crucial thing to do in any accident scenario is to get medical treatment for yourself and anybody else affected. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away, particularly if you’re in shock and the pain isn’t as intense. Any injuries must be treated by medical specialists.

Contact the authorities

If no one has done it yet, make sure you phone the cops so they can arrive. If there is an injury or the damage is anticipated to cost $1,000 or more in Colorado, you must inform the police. You should also have the police write up an official report on the accident’s cause. If there is ever any uncertainty about who caused the collision, police records are crucial.

Take pictures

If you’re able, attempt to get a few images of the accident site, including any damage or injuries. Photographic documentation is critical for evaluating the severity of the accident, particularly if you decide to file a claim for compensation for your losses.

Get the other driver’s insurance information. To settle your claim, you’ll most likely need to contact their insurance provider.

Obtain witness statements as well as their contact information. A solid witness statement may be incredibly important if there is any disagreement over who was at blame in your accident.

The police will almost certainly collect witness statements, but you should gather your own and make sure you have the witnesses’ contact information. Any case in which you must show culpability benefits from witness information.

In a semi-truck accident, how can you prove who is at fault?

It’s typical to not have enough money after an accident to compensate for the damages to your body and property. In this case, you may wish to file a claim against the semi-truck driver to see if you can recover enough money to cover the costs associated with the accident.

Witness testimonies

Official police reports are examples of common evidence you may need to show blame.

Official records from insurance claims adjusters who were tasked with determining who was at blame.

These kinds of evidence may assist you persuade a judge or jury that you are entitled to compensation for the costs and damages you have incurred as a result of the accident.

In the event of a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you decide to file a claim for compensation, you may be able to claim a variety of expenditures as damages.

Any pain and suffering incurred as a result of the accident.

Medical expenditures incurred as a result of the accident, as well as continuing medical expenses.

The emotional trauma you’re dealing with as a result of the accident.

Scarring or deformity as a result of the collision.

Wages lost due to time off work after an accident.

Loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries.

Loss of consortium if the accident caused you to lose a partnership (such as a marriage).

You will need to acquire proof that you have experienced any of these losses in order to pursue a claim. Keep all of your medical documents and expenses, as well as documentation of time off work and any other information that may assist you establish your case.

Consultation with a Lawyer Following a Semi-truck Collision

Accidents involving semi-trucks are tragic events. The serious injuries and losses that they often inflict are tough to bear for anybody.

If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, don’t attempt to handle your claim on your own. Contact a truck accident lawyer in Colorado Springs if you need assistance dealing with a semi-truck accident injury.

Semi-truck accident attorneys are experts at obtaining their clients the money they need, even if it’s a significantly higher amount than the insurance company first gave. Semi-truck accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with the pressures of pursuing a case for justice.

 

 

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1902 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 100

Colorado Springs, CO 80904

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